Magical Night at the Bowl

The long awaited 'Picnic at the Bowl' day has finally arrived. Couldn't believe that it took us this long to finally organize something this simple yet fun. The boys went to get food from Costco while us went to get even more food from Ralphs. Lol.

The drive to the Ventura lot was a breeze. Thank goodness no traffic this time. Free parking here but the shuttle to the bowl from here cost 4dollars each person. Definitely a better option than to get stuck at the bowl after the end of the show.

The intention to grab a picnic table did not materialize as we were too late. All tables seemed to be taken up even it is like 2.5 hours prior the show. Soon we decided to just head to our section and do our picnic there. Lucky us, there were nobody around our area. So we get to colonize the up to 4 rows of seats for our feast. Hehe. Taking a group photo is tiring, lost count the number of times we took and retook. And still, there is not a single perfect shot. Lol
We've got so many yummy food. Chicken wings, shrimp salad, shrimp cocktails , sandwiches, chips, brownies, wine, candy, peanuts, water, Gatorade, tea and wine! Could definitely open up a food kiosk with all those. Lol. It was such a fun experience gobbling down the food with the bowl and the Hollywood sign as the backdrop.
Gave away our pair of section K tickets to some couple who happened to be seated at our row. We wanted to sit together for the show even if that means getting push backwards 3 sections and not being able to see the performers without lookin at the screen. But oh well, its more fun to sit with friends. Gotten ourselves cushions for only 75cents as sitting on the hard bench for another 2 hours would definitely flatten our ass. :p
At 830pm, the show finally began. The orchestra kicked off the night with some famous tunes from old movies which I couldn't recognise at all. OMG! Then came Micheal Feinstein performing some huge hits from the great American songbook. Totally enjoyed the whole big band swing feel.

But the highlight of the night has got to be hearing Jewel sing live. Gosh, I have been a fan of hers since her first hit. The feeling of being able to hear this wonderful voice with the oh-so familiar tunes is more than satisfying, its satiating. *Sings* You were meant for me, and I was meant for yooouuuuuuuu.....
The show ended with impressive fireworks lighting up the bowl alongside the great music accompaniment from the Bowl Orchestra. Now, that is a perfect guys' night out but not with some clubbing after the show! Time for boogie wonderland.

Honk! Honk! Vrooooommmmmmm

Another day on the Miracle Mile museum row. This time it is to learn more about one of mankind's most ingenious invention: Automobiles. Took me an hour an a half to get here from Long Beach. No joke as it is actually a whopping 34 miles away! The sprawl is really bad here in LA. But when it comes to pandemic disease, I think it could be the safest city to be in. Spacesss, even virus would die traveling that far. Haha.

Alright back to the museum, the best exhibit of the museum has got to be Streetscapes. It actually explains the whole evolution of the automotive culture with Socal as the example. It shows how LA evolved into all these traffic mess throughout the years. Thanks to the building of freeways.
Besides Streetscape, 'What were they thinking' was another interesting and funny exhibits. It displays all the 'ingenious' innovations of the past. From foldable doors and multiple windshield wipers to prevent accidents to air car that actually stirs up dust and spread them all over the city. Lol.
Hollywood Cars: Car from the movies. Of course they have famous Herbie. And the yellow one....yes its from Little Miss Sunshine.
Oh just one more gem. The skeleton bike. OMG! Its like sooooooo marvellous. Would totally keep this as a collection even if I couldn't ride it. Haha.

On Rodeo

Nothing much to brag about. Poor guy on a rich men shopping paradise = window shopping & photo taking.
Waiting for that day when things on this strip becomes affordable and cheap. Hopefully not because the good get cheaper. Lol. I wanna be rich!

Traffic's a Bitch!

First of all, a million thanks to John for agreeing to drive all the way from Newport to Malibu. Second of all, screw the traffic on PCH. It was soooo excruciating. Stuck on PCH for 1.5 hours on a route that supposedly takes only 20 minutes! !(#*)@($&* Gotta blame Jay for getting the tix for the wrong day and time :p

Upon reaching the Getty parking lot, we were so relieved. Quickly went around to explore the place. The view of the ocean from the top is just beautiful. No wonder people pay millions to live in here.
The entrance to the villa looked absolutely marvellous. The whole roman architecture of the building seems so inviting. After taking some (a lot :p) of pictures, we finally headed inside the villa.
Started off the tour with a boring introduction video about the making of villa. Zzzzzzz.
Right after, we explored their antiquities collections. I couldn't believe that all these started from the craze of one man. One rich man, I should say. I wonder whether the man himself can remember everything that he collected.
Apparently, we were told that the exhibits were arranged according to themes.Greek and Roman, Gods and Goddesses and so on. But if you have zero knowledge on myths like me, everything will eventually look the same. Lol.
Although the antiquities failed to capture my interest, I would still recommend one to visit this place. (if you don't mind the traffic) Why? Because the gardens are really beautiful. The outer peristyle which is build to replicate the Villa dei Papiri is so breathtaking. Would totally want a garden like this in my mansion but with half the size. More land = more cleaning and maintenance. Haha.
Headed off for shopping at 3rd st and dinner at Ktown before retreating back to our hotel at Newport. Wonderful suite with tastefully decorated french bedroom doors. :D

Exploring the Core

First stop Walt Disney Concert Hall. The awkwardly beautiful stainless steel architecture takes my breath away. I must admit that it is one of the most unique and pretty building that I have ever seen.
Once inside, the cleverly designed concert hall is beaming with natural light. Its like the whole place is fully illuminated by the sun. How smart, they saved so much energy that way. Got the chance to pose with the piano before being shooed away politely. Its ok, we got the photo we wanted. Lol.
I totally luv the simplistic way of using multi-colored chairs at the BP hall.
We were lucky to get to visit the main concert hall as they don't have a performance that day. Hehe. The grand organ was such a wow. With 600o thousands over pipes around it, I bet that instrument will sound heavenly.
Our intention to catch Spamalot did not materialize as they only offer discounted tickets for balcony seats. Decided to just carry on with our itinerary to catch the downtown skyline from the City Hall building, only to find out that it was closed on weekends. Never trust guides even if they are written by the city itself. Open 7 days a week my ass!
We ended up at Little Tokyo after wandering around the city. Had promotional frozen yogurt for only 2dollars each. Yummy. Feeling thirsty from the sweetness, we grabbed some bouba before continuing our expedition.
Next on the list is the Bradbury Building. Heard that it was in the set of some famous movies like Infernal Affair, Blade Runner and Pushing Daisies. Most recently, it was featured in the ending scene of 500 days of summer. Could totally understand why it was used in so many movies. The whole beauty of the renaissance era radiates from the building's interior. No wonder it is certified as a national historic landmark.
We stumbled upon the Grand Central Market on the way to meet our friends for lunch at CPK. Could not believe that there is still an old fashioned market place right smack in the middle of downtown. Right opposite it is the world's shortest railway, Angel's Flight. A quarter can get you across one downtown block on this line.
Alright time for lunch at CPK. Runnnnnnn.

Modern Art? Think I prefer the Older ones

Not all new things are better. That's so true when it comes to the exhibits at LACMA. Came here after 5pm as it is pay what you want time. Hehe. How much I paid? Well, that's a secret.Kicked off our tour around new modern art wing. It was such a disappointment. Not only we could not appreciate the exhibits. the museum security also failed to show appreciable hospitality. Snobbish and rude, I swear I would walk out the place without hesitation had I been there alone.

Things was totally the opposite when we checked out the permanent exhibits though. Totally luved the Arts of Ancient America exhibits. The security guys at that section was pretty helpful too.We did not manage to see everything as the place closes at 9pm. But before leaving, we put those lamps in front of the museum in good use. :p

Just Another Day at the Beach

If there is something that LA trumps SF in, it has to be the beach. Clear sunny sky and cool blowing breeze. The setting seemed to be perpetually wonderful at Santa Monica in summer time. Everytime I'm here, I would always chill at the park. Watching palm trees swaying in the breeze and beautiful people jogging along the boardwalk always helps me relax.But no, I did not come here just to laze the day away. Daryl wanted to try out this asian fusion restaurant called Monsoon. Dear pak cik was late for like 45 minutes, thanks to the forest fire near the Getty. But its ok cause they gave me a booth, less awkward as nobody can see me. The food was kinda good but not exceptional. Liked the deco more.Shopped on the promonade until its closing time. Totally lost the will to buy when I found out that they were selling something I bought back in Vegas with an extra 15% price slash. Argh!

SF a Series: Playground by the Sea

I realized that despite visiting the city time after time, I somehow manage to always skip the Pacific Ocean. Perhaps I have seen too much of the ocean down in Socal. Furthermore, the temperature here is definitely not right for the beach unless ur dressed up in suits that makes one looks like a seagull. But somehow, something came over me & my friends that evening and we decided to just ride bus 38 all the way till the end of Geary.

We were greeted by sounds of the waves and definitely cold ocean breeze the moment we get off the bus. As we walk closer to the shore, we began to see stunning views of the waves crashing on the cliffs and rocks. The most appealing part however, was the Sutro Bath ruins which looked like a cool little maze.

We quickly made our descent to the ruins to get a closer look of it. It turned out that it could really be a cool little playground. Yes, it was so little that even S-sized creature like me had to squeeze my way through those small little openings to get to the inside.

We explore further into a cave but back out halfway as the sun is already gone and none of us brought a flashlight. We decided to detour upwards to catch the view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

SF a Series: Erasing the Past with a Light Saber

Although it really is not the crookedest street in the world, it is definitely one of the most beautiful streets in the world. Again, I am blessed with another sunny day in the city. I was glad to have Zoie’s company to hike up that very steep 2 blocks incline to the point. Should have totally taken the California Street cable car line to save us from those extra thigh exercises. But its ok, we have rooms for more food now. Haha.

The view from the top of the street is still takes my breath away like it did 2 years ago. The only difference is I am at ease this time. I just knew that I had to come back here to finally have a better feeling of the place. No stress, no rush, no anger.

As we walk downhill and up again, admiring the scenic view of the city and those tastefully decorated houses, we could not help but sympathize with dwellers along the street. Always swamp with herd of noisy tourist chattering while descending the street or those that stood in the driveway snapping their very own photo memorabilia. But still, I would take any of these houses within a heartbeat. The great view of the place will definitely take the pain away.

Earlier the day, I had the chance to visit the kinda secretive location of Lucas Film. I was lucky that Justin is an intern. Else, I would have just walked pass the Letterman Drive without noticing the beautifully landscaped garden with a Yoda fountain.

Got to tour the production office but had no luck with pictures as it is strictly prohibited. Did not get anything from the gift shop as I was never a Star Wars fan. Nevertheless, playing with the light saber is still a fun experience.

SF a Series: Reliving that Summer

Thanks to the Summer of 67. Without it, we would never get such a wonderful alternative shopping concept. The whole street actually lacked familiar brand names, which actually make shopping even more interesting. It is like you go in every shop browsing through their stuff and surprise you find something you like for the price you can afford.

Despite rapid gentrification, the neighborhood still retains its hippy charm. The Victorians here are by far more colorful and creatively decorated than others around the city. The bold and daring designs clearly edges out the much raved about Painted Ladies. If only these houses has a view of the city as well, guess Haight district would replace Alamo Square on those postcards we send.

Took a bus down to the neighboring Japantown right after to get ourselves a well deserve dinner after that long shopping workout. Apart from the Peace Pagoda and food, the place looked similar to any ordinary neighborhood. Still, the ramen is Ooosshhiiii!